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I, too, watch for the slight separation between the hitch and the hitch plate. Sometimes I miss it and run the chance of using the landing legs to raise the rear of the truck, which I don't think is good on the motor, gears, etc.
Recently I've just been extending the legs an inch or so after the pads are on the ground, then I release the locking handle on the hitch and slowly pull forward (trailer is already chocked). What I've noticed is as I pull forward the king pin "slides" off the back of the hitch and as that happens the truck bed raises to it's normal position. The 5th wheel does not move at all and it all happens alot smoother than I ever thought it would. That technique came from the guy that moves the 5ers around at the dealership we bought from.
He also used the same technique to hitch up. Basically, letting the weight of the king pin squat the truck as he backs under it. I don't do this because it is alot easier for me to tell when it is "lined up".
Not saying those techniques are right/better/worse. Just passing them on FWIW.
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